Latest news with #Woltemade
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'We can achieve something great' - Woltemade after latest U21 gala
Germany's Nick Woltemade (R) and Rocco Reitz react after the UEFA European Under 21 championship soccer match between Czech Republic and Germany. Woltemade believes that Germany on a good path towards a possible fourth under-21 European championship title, and the VfB Stuttgart striker is a key factor. Branislav Racko/dpa Nick Woltemade believes that Germany on a good path towards a possible fourth under-21 European championship title, and the VfB Stuttgart striker is a key factor. Wotemade followed up on his hat-trick in the opening 3-0 against Slovenia with another goal and two assists in Sunday's 4-2 victory against the Czech Republic. Advertisement Germany are qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain or Italy, ahead of their final group game on Wednesday against defending champions England. England beat Germany 2-0 in the group stage of the last U21 Euros in 2023 which sent the Germans home, but things are looking much brighter now. "We definitely have the potential and the mentality to achieve something great here," Woltemade said. Nicolo Tresoldi, who scored the opening goal on Sunday, said: "We have done our job. Now it is England and we want to win our third game in a row." Germany's U21 team is unbeaten in almost two years as it sets its sights on another Euro trophy, after previous success in 2009, 2017 and 2021. Advertisement Coach Antonio di Salvo is delighted to have Woltemade, who recently also made his senior national team debut in Nations League games against Portugal and France. Woltemade is tournament top scorer with four goals and was Man of the Match in both games. If he continues in this way he could become the first German Player of the Tournament since former World Cup winner Rudi Völler in 1982. "He changes our game, and that's why I am happy that he arrived with so much energy and that he his keen to play football and keen to have success with us," Di Salvo said. He added on Monday: "Nick deserves to be the centre of attention right now, but it's a credit to the whole team. Advertisement "We've now scored seven goals. Nick was involved in many, many goals. But I'd still like to mention again that we've played very well as a team so far." Woltemade said that "assists are always nice" and that "I am happy that the other lads also scored their first goals in the tournament." Tresoldi, Paul Nebel and Eric Martel were on target alongside Woltemade, and defender Rocco Reitz named the two victories "a signal towards our rivals" and "a boost for our confidence." Di Salvo meanwhile announced "a few hours off" for the players "so that they can find the time to enjoy this great event." Advertisement For Woltemade, this just means recovery: "I will stick to resting and save my energy for the next games." Di Salvo said on Monday that Woltemade may even be rested for the England match. He has now played twice for the senior national team, and two games over the full distance here, and that's why I need to talk to him," Di Salvo.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Germany's ‘Big Nick' Woltemade brings nicknames and goals to main stage
If there was any doubting Nick Woltemade's star quality, a brilliant hat-trick in Germany's opening match of the European Under-21 Championship against Slovenia showed the beanpole striker with numerous nicknames is the real deal. Known variously as Woltemessi, the Tower of Stuttgart, Goaltemade or just plain old Big Nick, he has been the standout player of the first two rounds of matches in Slovakia, having helped to book his side's place in the quarter-finals with another goal in their win over the Czech Republic on Sunday. With England up next as Germany attempt to seal top spot in Group B and avoid a meeting with the favourites, Spain, in the last eight, the coach, Antonio Di Salvo, has a decision to make. Such has been Woltemade's success this season that he was also called up by Julian Nagelsmann for the senior squad's Nations League games and made his debut against Portugal in the semi-final less than a fortnight ago. Advertisement Related: Club World Cup: Jobe Bellingham makes Dortmund debut in draw with Fluminense 'Honestly, I just want to rest,' Woltemade said after the 4-2 victory over the Czech Republic, in which he contributed two assists as well. 'It's been a tough schedule and I've played a lot of minutes in a short time.' Di Salvo, a former Bayern Munich forward who was an assistant to Stefan Kuntz with the under-21s before taking over when Kuntz left to manage Turkey's seniors in 2021, is expected to rotate when they face Lee Carsley's side in Nitra on Wednesday evening. Yet after Germany failed to get past the group stage in Georgia two years ago for the first time since 2013 as England went on to win the tournament, he is under pressure to deliver the country's fourth title at this level. 'I don't need to say more about how important Nick is to us,' Di Salvo said. 'He changes our game.' A shade under two metres tall, Woltemade has played for Germany at various youth levels but it was not until his move to Stuttgart from his hometown side Werder Bremen that he announced himself on the big stage. Despite becoming Bremen's youngest player at 17, he had struggled for game time owing to Niclas Füllkrug's blistering form before a loan at third-division SV Elversberg transformed his fortunes. He earned a move to Stuttgart to replace Serhou Guirassy when the prolific Guinea striker departed for Borussia Dortmund last summer, and scored the opening goal in the DFB Pokal final victory in May – his fifth in that cup run – to add to his 12 in the Bundesliga. Advertisement A hat-trick against Spain, who drew 1-1 with Italy to win their group on Tuesday night, in an under-21s warm-up game in March put Woltemade firmly on the radar, with reports of interest from around Europe including from Chelsea, Everton and West Ham. The 23-year-old born on Valentine's Day is eligible to play at the tournament because he was 21 at the start of qualifying – one of 73 players at the start of the finals who are two years older than the age limit. England are the only squad not to contain a 23-year-old, although Middlesbrough's midfielder Hayden Hackney will reach that age on 26 June, two days before the final. That is an indication of England's approach, with Carsley – who has extended his contract until the next tournament in 2027 – having assembled a much more inexperienced squad than the one which triumphed two years ago. If he had followed Germany's example with Woltemade, seven members of Thomas Tuchel's latest selection could have been on double international duty this summer. Adam Wharton, another senior international, was ruled out as he recovers from concussion sustained in the FA Cup final. Newcastle's Tino Livramento, who excelled in the opening win over the Czech Republic, is the only player to have also been capped at senior level and England's squad contains two teenagers, who have featured in the first two games: Tottenham's Archie Gray and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal. Advertisement Carsley will make changes against Germany, citing 'age and the amount they've played', with a point required to ensure a place in the knockout stages. If Germany are without Woltemade from the start, England – who have lost only twice to Germany at this age group and won 2-0 in the group stages two years ago – will know that Di Salvo's side boast plenty of other firepower. Nicolò Tresoldi, who scored the opener against the Czech Republic and described Woltemade as 'the perfect strike partner', has just joined Club Brugge, and Brighton's Brajan Gruda and Paul Nebel of Mainz provide creativity. At the other end, Freiburg's goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has made 20 appearances at the age group and has been tipped as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer. 'We want to win every game,' said Germany's captain, Eric Martel, 'especially against England, because, as they say in Germany, it's 'the classic'.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Germany's ‘Big Nick' Woltemade brings nicknames and goals to main stage
If there was any doubting Nick Woltemade's star quality, a brilliant hat-trick in Germany's opening match of the European Under-21 Championship against Slovenia showed the beanpole striker with numerous nicknames is the real deal. Known variously as Woltemessi, the Tower of Stuttgart, Goaltemade or just plain old Big Nick, he has been the standout player of the first two rounds of matches in Slovakia, having helped to book his side's place in the quarter-finals with another goal in their win over the Czech Republic on Sunday. With England up next as Germany attempt to seal top spot in Group B and avoid a meeting with the favourites, Spain, in the last eight, the coach, Antonio Di Salvo, has a decision to make. Such has been Woltemade's success this season that he was also called up by Julian Nagelsmann for the senior squad's Nations League games and made his debut against Portugal in the semi-final less than a fortnight ago. 'Honestly, I just want to rest,' Woltemade said after the 4-2 victory over the Czech Republic, in which he contributed two assists as well. 'It's been a tough schedule and I've played a lot of minutes in a short time.' Di Salvo, a former Bayern Munich forward who was an assistant to Stefan Kuntz with the under-21s before taking over when Kuntz left to manage Turkey's seniors in 2021, is expected to rotate when they face Lee Carsley's side in Nitra on Wednesday evening. Yet after Germany failed to get past the group stage in Georgia two years ago for the first time since 2013 as England went on to win the tournament, he is under pressure to deliver the country's fourth title at this level. 'I don't need to say more about how important Nick is to us,' Di Salvo said. 'He changes our game.' A shade under two metres tall, Woltemade has played for Germany at various youth levels but it was not until his move to Stuttgart from his hometown side Werder Bremen that he announced himself on the big stage. Despite becoming Bremen's youngest player at 17, he had struggled for game time owing to Niclas Füllkrug's blistering form before a loan at third-division SV Elversberg transformed his fortunes. He earned a move to Stuttgart to replace Serhou Guirassy when the prolific Guinea striker departed for Borussia Dortmund last summer, and scored the opening goal in the DFB Pokal final victory in May – his fifth in that cup run – to add to his 12 in the Bundesliga. A hat-trick against Spain, who drew 1-1 with Italy to win their group on Tuesday night, in an under-21s warm-up game in March put Woltemade firmly on the radar, with reports of interest from around Europe including from Chelsea, Everton and West Ham. The 23-year-old born on Valentine's Day is eligible to play at the tournament because he was 21 at the start of qualifying – one of 73 players at the start of the finals who are two years older than the age limit. England are the only squad not to contain a 23-year-old, although Middlesbrough's midfielder Hayden Hackney will reach that age on 26 June, two days before the final. That is an indication of England's approach, with Carsley – who has extended his contract until the next tournament in 2027 – having assembled a much more inexperienced squad than the one which triumphed two years ago. If he had followed Germany's example with Woltemade, seven members of Thomas Tuchel's latest selection could have been on double international duty this summer. Adam Wharton, another senior international, was ruled out as he recovers from concussion sustained in the FA Cup final. Newcastle's Tino Livramento, who excelled in the opening win over the Czech Republic, is the only player to have also been capped at senior level and England's squad contains two teenagers, who have featured in the first two games: Tottenham's Archie Gray and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Carsley will make changes against Germany, citing 'age and the amount they've played', with a point required to ensure a place in the knockout stages. If Germany are without Woltemade from the start, England – who have lost only twice to Germany at this age group and won 2-0 in the group stages two years ago – will know that Di Salvo's side boast plenty of other firepower. Nicolò Tresoldi, who scored the opener against the Czech Republic and described Woltemade as 'the perfect strike partner', has just joined Club Brugge, and Brighton's Brajan Gruda and Paul Nebel of Mainz provide creativity. At the other end, Freiburg's goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has made 20 appearances at the age group and has been tipped as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer. 'We want to win every game,' said Germany's captain, Eric Martel, 'especially against England, because, as they say in Germany, it's 'the classic'.'
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea ‘in talks to sign 6ft6in Germany star', 23, as Enzo Maresca looks to transfer market to resolve striker woes
Two European giants will battle Chelsea for his signature IN GOOD NICK Chelsea 'in talks to sign 6ft6in Germany star', 23, as Enzo Maresca looks to transfer market to resolve striker woes CHELSEA have begun talks with striker Nick Woltemade, according to reports. The Blues are in the market for another striker this summer after already signing Liam Delap for £30million from Ipswich. 2 Nick Woltemade's contract situation is being monitored by Chelsea Credit: Getty Woltemade, 23, has been on Chelsea's radar for some time and they have now been in contact with the player's agent. Journalist Christian Falk claims they have been told there is no release clause in the Stuttgart star's deal. The 6ft6in striker sees his contract run until 2028 at the Bundesliga club. Other reports in Germany say Woltemade is in talks over an improved deal and a pay rise with Stuttgart. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL WATCH THIS SPACE Cole Palmer rocks £220k luxury watch on flight to Club World Cup But Chelsea are monitoring the situation in case an agreement cannot be struck. Woltemade scored an incredible 17 goals in 33 games last season. He is currently away at the Under-21 Euros with Germany and he has found the back of the net four times in two group stage clashes. Woltemade has the chance to catch the eye against England on Wednesday. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 2 Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich will also be watching after being linked with him earlier this summer. Chelsea remain in the market for a new goalkeeper after failing to get a deal for AC Milan's Mike Maignan over the line in time for the Club World Cup. Enzo Maresca also wants to sign winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. The Englishman is keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge - but Chelsea have seen two bids rejected and the latest was worth £42million. Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea ‘in talks to sign 6ft6in Germany star', 23, as Enzo Maresca looks to transfer market to resolve striker woes
CHELSEA have begun talks with striker Nick Woltemade, according to reports. The Blues are in the market for another striker this summer after already signing Advertisement 2 Nick Woltemade's contract situation is being monitored by Chelsea Credit: Getty Woltemade, 23, has been on Journalist The 6ft6in striker sees his contract run until 2028 at the Bundesliga club. Other reports in Germany say Woltemade is in talks over an improved deal and a pay rise with Stuttgart. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But Chelsea are monitoring the situation in case an agreement cannot be struck. Woltemade scored an incredible 17 goals in 33 games last season. He is currently away at the Under-21 Euros with Woltemade has the chance to catch the eye against Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Exclusive JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 2 Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich will also be watching after being linked with him earlier this summer. Chelsea remain in the market for a new goalkeeper after failing to get a deal for AC Milan's Mike Maignan over the line in time for the Club World Cup. Advertisement Enzo Maresca also wants to sign winger The Englishman is keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge - but Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge
